In a move that's partially a response to its recent acquisition of Indesit Company, Whirlpool Corporation has made some changes to its leadership ranks in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region).

Whirlpool EMEA's president, Esther Berrozpe, will take over the company's integrated European business -- the combined operations of Whirlpool and Indesit -- beginning Jan. 1.

Additionally, Marco Milani has announced his plans to step down from his position as Indesit's CEO, effective Dec. 31.

USG Corporation announced its 50/50 joint venture with Boral Limited, to be named USG Boral Building Products, as part of a strategic move to synergistically blend their branding, geographic impact and expertise in the burgeoning plasterboard market in Asia, Australasia and the Middle East.

The venture will include Boral's Gypsum division, which includes its plasterboard operations in Australia and Asia, as well as USG's Asian and Middle Eastern businesses. Additionally, USG will contribute exclusive access to its competitive products and technologies.

Xicato, a provider of LED modules for the retail and hospitality industries, has appointed two new sales managers to its European team.

Ben Hamida will step up to the plate as regional sales manager for France and the Middle East. Previously, Hamida spent 18 years at GE Lighting as international sales manager for Southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Hamida is fluent in French, English, Italian and Arabic and brings extensive experience to the table in driving LED sales.

Cincinnati-based Senco Brands announced the purchase of Expandet A/S, Graested, a Denmark manufacturer of premium-quality fasteners for professional and do-it-yourself building applications throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Established in 1955 by the Mortensen family, Expandet has been operated by Laus and Lene Mortensen, who took over the business from their father in 1983. The Expandet business will report directly to Peter van der Wel, president of Senco Brands International.

USG Corp. has announced it will invest $60 million in a strategic partnership with the Zawawi Group of Oman to meet the growing demand for its wallboard products in the Middle East and India. The money will be invested over two years, with the majority in 2012.